Strategies for Cooperative Learning
Cooperative Learning Strategies
By: Colorín Colorado (2007)
Cooperative Learning has been proven to be effective for all types of students, including academically gifted, mainstream students and English language learners (ELLs) because it promotes learning and fosters respect and friendships among diverse groups of students. In fact, the more diversity in a team, the higher the benefits for each student. Peers learn to depend on each other in a positive way for a variety of learning tasks.
Students typically work in teams of four. This way, they can break into pairs for some activities, and then get back together in teams very quickly for others. It is important, however, to establish classroom norms and protocols that guide students to:
By: Colorín Colorado (2007)
Cooperative Learning has been proven to be effective for all types of students, including academically gifted, mainstream students and English language learners (ELLs) because it promotes learning and fosters respect and friendships among diverse groups of students. In fact, the more diversity in a team, the higher the benefits for each student. Peers learn to depend on each other in a positive way for a variety of learning tasks.
Students typically work in teams of four. This way, they can break into pairs for some activities, and then get back together in teams very quickly for others. It is important, however, to establish classroom norms and protocols that guide students to:
- Contribute
- Stay on task
- Help each other
- Encourage each other
- Share
- Solve problems
- Give and accept feedback from peers
Expert Groups
Teacher determines several topics that are fun, interesting, important, and/or essential to the unit of study. Students then determine which topic they want to know more about or decide whether or not they are already experts in a specific topic. Groups are structured to present their expertise to the class.
Jigsaw
Each member of a group is assigned some unique material to learn and teach the other group members. All students working on specific material work together.
Three-Step Interview
This is a great strategy for when students are solving problems that do not have a specific correct answer.
Step 1: Present the problem with several opinions on the topic. As a class, develop interview questions and determine information that will be important to better understanding the topic.
Step 2: Group students into pairs and have them assign one person as the interviewer and one person as the interviewee. They then conduct the interview process.
Step 3: The groups switch roles and continue interviewing.
When the interviews are complete. Groups will share with the class about what their partner's opinions were.
Step 1: Present the problem with several opinions on the topic. As a class, develop interview questions and determine information that will be important to better understanding the topic.
Step 2: Group students into pairs and have them assign one person as the interviewer and one person as the interviewee. They then conduct the interview process.
Step 3: The groups switch roles and continue interviewing.
When the interviews are complete. Groups will share with the class about what their partner's opinions were.